ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 35, 10 August 1934, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Tliu. new attraction introduced today at the Regent Theatre is the 8.1.I 3, production '"Happy," with which' it is claimed Britain will sot a new standard in musical pictures.' "Happy" is . a merry. nvusicnl melange with .1 cast ol star comedians which might easily grace a Royal command performance, including as it docs such names as Stanley Lupino, Jimmy Godden, Laddie Clill, Will FyiVc, Giis McNaughton, and Harry Tate. It'is a glittering production with songs to catch the ear, beautiful costuming to please the eye, uproariously fast and hilariously funny comedy with fulsome enjoyment to make it tho perfect entertainment to please the whole family. Dorothy Hyson is the leading lady* and is one of the most popular feminine stars on the London musical comedy stage, and it would seem that in this film the British producers' have definitely set themselves-out to eclipse any and every similar film which has como out of the London studios. GRANP OPERA HOUSE. Jack Holt is* a heroic figure in Columbia's dramatic production, "Whirlpool," now showing at the Grand Opera. House. From the opening scene the film1 is replete with intense dramatic interest, exciting situations; and breath-taking suspense. Holt provides a powerful characterisation equal to any in his distirigished career. Committed to the penitentiary for twenty years for an inadvertent death in a carnival brawl, Holt; returns after completing his sentence to a world unlike the one of his youth. Bitter and resentful for his incarceration, he becomes a big racketeer. This leads.up to. a draniatic climaS. DE LUXE THEATRE. "Sadie SlcJKec," .starring Joan Crawford, opened'at the De- Luxe Theatre today. With.1: a supporting cast including "■. Fraiichoi ,Torie, Gene Raymond, Esther llalston, Edward Arnold, Earl Oxford, Jean Dixon, and Leo G. Carroll; the story is said to be one of tho most gripping, evev -.translated to the screen, "Sadie MeKee" is a vivid dramatisation p'£ the?-; average American girl. A cook in a small .town- falls in love with a carefree young.man, who works for her mother's -employer, She elopes and tries her" luck in New iTork. Hardship and struggle await her. Her young man deserts her.;. She takes what jobs she can get, and never despairs. She is catapulted into the luxury of. 17,000,000 dollars when in. desperation she marries a drunken millionaire.1 Saving his life from alcohol, she seeks:to save her Ao_wn soul by escaping. Another man comes into her life. Yet she still loves- her email town friend, who meets a tragic fate.- The conclusion holds a tremendous surprise. Mr. Paul T. Gullen will be heard at the Wurlitzer Organ. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The sensation of the London picture season has been the phenomenal success scored by Lewis Casson, husband of Dame Sybil Thorndyke, in his first talking -picture. His triumph in; "The Night Club Queen" is said by English critics to be "as. complete as it was instantaneous.' Wellingtonians will have a chance of seeing and judging for themselves, for Twickenham's screen play will begin at the Paramount Theatre today. Casson has playing in support a fine cast. Mary Clare plays the noble woman who runs a night club to support her invalid husband (Casson) and son. Lewis Shaw, as the son, is the third side of. a perfect triangle. "The Night Club Queen" embraces powerful drama, unusually good comedy, singing, dancing, and novelties. The high light from a dramatic point of view is a remarkably fine English court scene. Four short film subjects, and the popular Paul T. Cullen form the first part of the programme. KING'S THEATRE. The season of "The Song of the Plough," the story of English farming, at the King's Theatre, has been, extended for a further week. There is romance in the domestic life, in the devotion of the mother to her men-folk in the hour ot their, economic stress, and in the mutual affection of the tiny daughter and her faithful sheep-dog. This farm picture is really a.farm poem., In the supporting programme,- "London" blends the spirit of Westminster Abbey with the modern might of the world's commercial centre. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Fascinating iipder-water scenery, thrilling drama and action, and unforgettable romance are the ingredients of the ( new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, "The Sea Bat," starring Eaquel Torres, Charles Bickford, John Miljan, and George Marion, which, heads the double-star programme now showing at the Queen's Theatre. Tho second attraction is John Gilbert, with Leila Hyams, Lewis Stone, C. Aubrey Smith, and Jean Hersholfc in the baffling mystery play, "Phantom of Paris." ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Greta Garbo will appear on the screen at the Artcraft Theatre this evening in tho title role of "Queen Christina," the story of Sweden's glamorous regent of the seventeenth century who sacrificed her country and her throne for love and religious motives. John Gilbert is excellent as the Spanish envoy, Lewis Stone gives a human touch to the role of chancellor, lan Keith is an excellent villain, and the cast is aided by the fine work of Elizabeth Young, C. Aubrey Smith, and other popular players. The supplementary subjects will include Mickey Mouse in "Mickey's Gala Premiere"; a travel film of Venice, "Goofy Movies," and a Metrotone News. At the matinee tomorrow afternoon a 'selected programme will be offered youthful patrons. The principal attraction will be Tom Keene in the Western romance "The Saddle Buster." There will also be a Mickey Mouse cartoon and tho third chapter of "Pirate Treasure." SHORTT'S .THEATRE. In "Design for Living," which commenced at; Shortt's Theatre, today Miriam ' Hopkins 'is shown as a young modern miss who can't decide between two men played by Fredric March and Gary Cooper. The three join forces. Miss Hopkins becomes the boys' severest critic, gets a producer to put on one of March's plays, and gets Cooper an art reputation. Edward Everett Horton comes into the scene as a villainous comedian, and the boys put up a united front before their joint enemy to win back Miss Hopkjns's love. The second picture is "The Thundering Herd," based on Zane Greys well-known book. SEASIDE PICTURES. At the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, tonight Charles Laughton will appear in "The Private Life of Henry VIII." The story begins: on the. day Anne Boleyu, Henry's second queen, was beheaded,, and Jane Seymour becomes his third. But the real romance,of the picture is his love for Katheryn Howard. His marriage to Katheryn Howard promises to be his most successful, but she finds she has never got over her love for Thomas Culpeper—and thereby hangs a tale of infidelity. The cast includes Binnie Barnes, Wendy Barrio, Lady Tree, Robert Donat, Miles Mander, Claud Allister, and- Elsa ••TJancbester. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A Fox comedy heads the weekend programme at the Empire Theatre this ovening. It is "Three On a Honeymoon," and has Sally Eilers, Zasu Pitts, Charles Starrett, and John Mack Brown in the leading roles. The 'story' centres around a reckless, wilful, and-very pretty girl who decides to take a solo excursion to Europe. She is attracted ,toa hadsome young officer who has .been, instructed by the captain to take care of all her wants. A large and well-varied supporting programme includes exclusive scenes of the first cricket Test, Australia •v. England. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR, "Every Woman's Man," screening tonight at1' the -Casty>l-' Theatre, features a very notable cast' in Max Baer, Myrna Loy, Otto Kruger, Walter Huston, Primo Camera, arid Jack Dempsey. The story, which is of a'tnost romantic nature, tells of a young bartender, Baer, falling in love with a young night club hostess whom he assists in an accident, and then as a result coming into conflict with gangsters of the underworld.- The picture culminates in a most 'exciting fight. Laurel and Hardy will also be seen in "Their First Mistake." At the matinee tomorrow, at 2.15 p.m., Rin Tin Tin -will be seen in "the Luno Defender." The first episode o£ "Gordon of Ghost City" will nlso be shown. . ~..-.

STATE THEATRE. Tom' Walls is now appcaviug at the Statu Theatre in "Just Smith,'"- tho story of a gentleman crook who, 'although certain of his ability asa craftsman, is not so sure of his heart. That .hardened organ is laid siege to by a charming girl, and Smith has to resort to severe measures to kill her infatuation. Much, however, happens before such desperate straits are resorted to. Tho picture has quite a number of interesting angles. Finesse is to be observed in all Smith's plaus for despoiling the well-to-do. He -never steals jewels; money and bonds are his aim. Not only is Smith audacious; he is a psychologist and studies his victims in advance of his depredations. Well aware that Mrs. Linkley is a wealthy woman, ho also knows that she has a weakness for titled people. He covets her wealth, and as the negotiable portion is probably locked up in her safe at homo in the country he plans a i-aid. A valuable necklace disappears from the safe, and almost everyone in the house is at first suspected, until Detective-Inspec-tor iJolls (Peter Gawthorne) assures himself that Smith is the culprit. A man with such a record must be; yet Smith never stole jewels. The end is bewildering and unexpected, but entirely satisfactory, PLAZA THEATRE. A series of personal triumphs has won stardom for Warner Baxter in "Such Women are Dangerous," tho crisp new comedy-drama which opened at the Plaza Theatre today. This romantic story is intriguingly mysterious. Although it plunges into very serious drama in most of its high points, it is buoyed throughout by a lighter thread of comedy Baxter is a handeorae bachelor novelist, idolised by nine million women readers who revel in bis love stories. Three women are more directly involved in his life, one his secretary, Rosemary Ames, who secretly loves him and keeps a watchful vigil to protect him from romantic entanglements. She never presumes outwardly to interfere in his business or love affairs, being the faithful aide and obeying his wishes implicitly. Another is a love-struck grrl of tender years, Rochelle Hudson, utterly lacking in wisdom ov discretion, who crashes into his life, determined to win his love at any cost; the third is a gorgeously alluring, opera singer, Mona Barrie. On a, certain day, he breaks dates with all- threo of these varying types of femininity. Some weeks later Rochelle is found dead. Baxter is accused of her murder and evidence points to his guilt. The exciting developments through which he is extricated from this bewildering predicament provide a thoroughly absorbing finish to the story. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Universal's thriller "The Black Cat,"_with Karloft' and Bela Lugosi at the Majestic Theatre. Karloft and Lugosi meet with a lustful desire to wreak vengeance upon each other. An innocent young couple on their honeymoon become involved in their sinister machinations. Tho story is full of fantastic situations. Jacqueline Wells and David Manners, the ' rising young star, supply an unusual team. Edna May Oliver, and Edward Everett Horton commence their first starring roles together as a comedy team in "Tho Poor Rich," au up-to-the-minute laughable show based on present financial conditions, and their constantly comical complications are said to be a veritable source of laughs. Edward's unfailing sense of humour and Edna May's antics are supplemented by the work of Andy Devine, Leila Hyams, Thelma Todd, John Miljan, Una O'Connor, and many others. CLEM DAWE'S REVUE COMPANY. Clem Dawe and his talented company will present a new programme at the St. James Theatre this evening, the revue being "The Whirl of tho Town," which has a wealth of fun and frolic, music, and melody. Clem Dawe, with his inimitable clowning, will present a number of new sketches. One in which he visits a theatre and continually interrupts a performer from a theatre box was described by the critic of the "Auckland Herald" as one of the cleverest cross-talks a revue has produced' in years. .Dorothy White will be seen in new specialities, a.nd those two clever Adagio- dancers, Halliday and Watson, will-offer fresh numbers. Miss Muriel O'Malley and Ann Luciano will give songs at the piano, while Edna Luscombe and Edna, Moncrieff will perform tapdances. Cliff--O'Keefe's robust baritone voice will be' heard again, while Joo Sbriner, Les White, Ralph Daly, and Eric Edgley will all contribute to the show. The brilliant violinist Gregory Ivanoff will present selected numbers, and the ballet has a number of novelties. The orchestra under Mr. Tom King will round off a revue which, for song, dance, and laughter, is said to be difficult to surpass. The film production will be a drama, "Finishing School," a much-discussed play starring Frances Dee and Joel McCrae. Patrons aro advised to reserve their seats. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Heading the double-feature programme at Our Theatre tonight is "Tho Cat and the Fiddle," a musical romantic drama, co-starring Jeanette Macdonald and Ramon Novarro... The story concerns the romance of two young music students in Brussels. Six new song hits ara featured by the stars. The second feature, "Scarlet River," a Western drama, has Tom Keene in the principal role. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight the inimitable Ralph Lynn, together with Mary Brough and Winifred Shotter, will bo presented at the Regal Theatre in his latest and by far best comedy, "Up to the Neck." Lynn is cast as a red-blooded fearless cowboy. The supports will include a Cinesound Review, a llewsreel special, a scenic, and a gazette. On Monday and Tuesday "Flying Dawn to Rio" will be screened. RIVOLI THEATRE. "Ex-Flame," a modernised version of East Lynne, starring Marion Nixon and Neil Hamilton, will be shown at the Rivoli tonight, together with "Today," starring Conrad Nagel and Catherine Dale thven. Tomorrow the musical hit, "Take a Chance," and "Blonde Venus." with Marlene Dietrich, will commence a season.. Coming attractions include "Footlight Parade," "Kid from Spain," "I'm No Angel," and "Cradle Song." KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Tho Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts comedy "Love Birds" will be screened for the last time at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight. Eddie Cantor's latest screen musical comedy, "Roman Scandals," will commence at the matinee, tomorrow. Ruth Etting, Gloria Stuart, David Manners, and the Goldwyu girls will also be seen in this, carnival of fun. The supports include.a Silly Symphony in colour, "The China Shop." PRINCESS THEATRE. Marleno Dietrich is to be seen in "The Song of Songs," now being presented afr the Princess Theatre. Miss Dietrich, who hitherto lias appeared as a sophisticated, worldly woman, is revealed in this production as an innocent young country girl of rare beauty who goes to Berlin, and, jilted by a handsome young- sculptor, runs the gamut of tragic experience. Miss Dietrich is supported by Brian Aherno, Lionel Atwill, Alison Skipwprth, Hardie Albright, and Helen Freemau. The second attraction is the amusing British comedy "No Funny Business," starring Gertrude Lawrence and Laurence Olivier. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Robert Montgomery, in the role of Revel, a gentleman crook, is starred in "Tho Mystery of Mr. X," dealing with a series of ■ gruesome murders in London, at /the' ,':'Brjtaonia Theatre. Elizabeth Allan . plays : the role of Jane Frensham, the beautiful daughter of Sir Herbert Frensham, head of Scotland Yard. Adapted from the sensational novel "X Versus Rex," this film is set in London, and tells the thrilling story of a duel between - Scotland Yard and a maniacal slayer of policemen. Montgomery, as a suave crook, is forced by circumstances to take a hand in_J;lje_game, with results "that are both sensational and farreaching. '